Brenda Diane Campbell

Brenda Diane Campbell passed away on March 19, 2025, at the Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System in Morristown, Tennessee. For an extended period of time, she had been mounting a courageous effort in dealing with multiple health issues, but over the last four months these issues collectively worsened and were more than she could overcome.

Diane was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, who prior to the last impact of health issues enjoyed life to the fullest. She enjoyed being with her family and friends and like most mothers, the love she had for her son and daughter and their families, especially her three grandchildren, was immeasurable.

Significantly, Diane was a strong Christian lady having been led at an early age by her mother, a single parent due to the sudden death of Diane’s father, to know God as her heavenly father. Subsequently, Diane accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized. She received great solace in knowing that her belief and faith in Jesus would not only bring her comfort and peace during her life on earth, but by following and obeying Jesus as her Lord and Savior, she would have eternal life.

Diane was born in Molten, Alabama but spent most of her early years living in Decatur, Alabama and the surrounding area. She graduated from Morgan County High School and afterwards attended Calhoun State Community College from which she graduated receiving an associate degree. Subsequently, she attended the University of Mississippi for one year pursuing a B.S. Degree. But she didn’t complete her studies at Ole Miss as her husband Jack was selected to be the President of Walters State Community College and they moved to Morristown. Shortly after they had moved to Morristown, Diane enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and completed her studies that enabled her to receive a B.S. Degree in Social Work.

Diane had a lifelong passion for helping people in need. She especially loved working with senior citizens. When she was in high school, she worked part-time in a nursing home. But when she came to Morristown where Jack would be serving as President of Walters State her first priority was to establish herself as “First Lady” of Walters State. In fulfilling this responsibility, she hosted a countless number of lunches and dinners, outings, and events for the college’s faculty and staff, students, community supporters and state higher education boards and public officials. Also, as Diane continued to support the college she later established the Diane Campbell Endowed Scholarship Fund for support to Walters State employees and their families for educational expenses. With this she became a member of the Walters State Foundation’s Board of Trustees. After she was comfortable in her role with the college, she began working part time for local organizations supporting senior citizens such as Vital Visits, Meals on Wheels, and other related activities supporting people who had needs.

Diane was excited when she was offered the position to be the Director of the Morristown Senior Citizens Center. She worked in this position until she retired after eleven years. She strived to make the center a “Home away from Home” for the members. One main goal was realized when she led efforts to raise funds sufficient to purchase and renovate a facility that would become the new Senior Citizens Center. This would provide the members with an up-to date and self-owned permanent center. She always acknowledged with a great sense of appreciation the outstanding board of directors, staff and large number of volunteers who contributed to the work of the center in helping seniors have a better quality of life.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Ward and Mabel Clardy, and her brothers Bob and Douglas Clardy. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Dr. Jack Campbell, son Dr. Brad Campbell (Laura), daughter; Kellie Campbell Smith (Casey); grandchildren Cooper Campbell, Ryder Smith, Kipton Smith, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Diane’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church in Morristown with Pastor Dean Haun presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diane Campbell Endowment Fund, (Walters State Community College Foundation, 500 South Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN 37813) or to the Morristown Senior Citizens Center (841 Lincoln Avenue, Morristown, TN 37813).